This sweet maple sausage breakfast casserole is a delightful start to your day. It brings together the flavors of sweet and savory in one cozy dish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a family gathering, it is sure to please everyone at the table. The creamy texture and tender bread soaked in a rich egg mixture create a warm, comforting meal.
Why You Will Love This Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is easy to make and incredibly tasty. With just a few simple ingredients, it comes together in no time. It’s a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a quiet morning.
How to Make It
Making this casserole is a breeze. You start by cooking the sausage, then mix everything together in layers. It can be prepared in advance, which makes mornings stress-free. Once it’s in the oven, you can relax and let it bake to golden perfection.
What You Need
- 1 pound sweet maple sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh fruit
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sweet maple sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the cubed bread in the baking dish, then add the cooked sausage and shredded cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage layers, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes or until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or serve with fresh fruit.
How to Serve It
This casserole is great on its own or with simple toppings. Serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet touch. Fresh fruit like berries or bananas can brighten your plate and add a pop of color. For a more filling meal, serve it with a side of crispy hash browns or fresh salad.
How to Store It
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Keep the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Recipe Tips
- Make this dish the night before for an easy morning.
- Use any bread you like—white, whole grain, or even brioche.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste with herbs or spices.
- Add cooked vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake; it should be soft and creamy inside.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap the sweet maple sausage for turkey or veggie sausage for a lighter version.
- For a cheese twist, try adding feta or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, mix in some chopped apples or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate. Just bake in the morning!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 1 month. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
What can I substitute for the bread?
You can use whole grain bread, bagels, or even croissants for a fun twist.
How do I avoid making it too dry?
Make sure to cover the casserole while it bakes. Keeping it covered until almost done helps retain moisture.
Sweet Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet maple sausage Cooked and crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups cubed bread Any bread such as white or brioche
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or choice of cheese
- to taste salt and pepper
- to taste optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh fruit
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sweet maple sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the cubed bread in the baking dish, then add the cooked sausage and shredded cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage layers, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Baking
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes or until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or serve with fresh fruit.
